We should not demonize Craigslist for the activities of those who use it, but we should be careful when using online services. A web developer has setup a website that allows Craigslist users to share and rate their experiences. This is a good example the web community monitoring itself without oppressive regulations that could put a strangle hold on the Internet.
The website is called Craigguard.com and here is the link:
http://www.craigguard.com/
It allows Craigslist users to rate the good, the bad, and the ugly of the services they receive from the popular online listing website.
Here is an article in the Wall Street Journal about Craigguard.com:
http://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2009/04/22/craigslist-safety-using-craigguardcom/
The recent tragedy that has dominated the news about the Craigslist murder has everyone thinking about the safety of using online personals. See my post:
http://biologyoftechnology.com/2009/04/csi-craigslist/
However, if criminals use the telephone should AT&T be responsible for what illegal activities are arranged using their phone lines? We can extend this same logic to activities on the Web.
One of the great things about the Internet interactive technology is that allows you to empower yourself and Craigguard.com is a great example of this. Craigguard.com is a grassroots effort that supports itself. So if you use it, be a good cyber-citizen and leave a donation, which can easily be done on the website.
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